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NTSB Report
July 24, 1991 · Bell 47D-1 · N3575
Provencal, LA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Provencal, LA
Aircraft
Bell 47D-1
Tail Number
N3575
Operator
Superior Heli of Louisiana
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW91LA126
A COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT WAS MANEUVERING HIS AERIAL BURNING EQUIPPED HELICOPTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF BURNING 15 ACRES OF TIMBER. FUEL LEVEL WAS MEASURED TO BE JUST OVER 11 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINING TO COMPLETE THE 20-30 MINUTE JOB. BASED ON THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF 13 TO 15 GALLONS PER HOUR, THE AIRCRAFT HAD 40 TO 50 MINUTES OF FUEL REMAINING PRIOR TO DEPARTING. THE ENGINE QUIT 15 MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. FUEL HAD DRAINED OUT OF THE FUEL CELL SUMP DRAIN VALVE DUE TO FAILURE OR PREMATURE DETERIORATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL DRAIN VALVE. A FACTOR WAS THE INACCESSIBILITY OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR FORED LANDING.
Full Narrative
A COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT WAS MANEUVERING HIS AERIAL BURNING EQUIPPED HELICOPTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF BURNING 15 ACRES OF TIMBER. FUEL LEVEL WAS MEASURED TO BE JUST OVER 11 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINING TO COMPLETE THE 20-30 MINUTE JOB. BASED ON THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF 13 TO 15 GALLONS PER HOUR, THE AIRCRAFT HAD 40 TO 50 MINUTES OF FUEL REMAINING PRIOR TO DEPARTING. THE ENGINE QUIT 15 MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. FUEL HAD DRAINED OUT OF THE FUEL CELL SUMP DRAIN VALVE DUE TO FAILURE OR PREMATURE DETERIORATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47D-1
Tail NumberN3575
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSuperior Heli of Louisiana
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V-335-A · Reciprocating · 210
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO